Monday, November 21, 2011

Backwards and Forwards

Hi friends. First things last. Erhh, last things first. I can't remember anymore. But I do know I have been dancing around in circles waiting to show you some quilt market photos all the while balancing a few other heavy duty tasks like filming Janome videos for days on end and other things of that nature. But here we are then. Okay. Above is the cover of the brochure we put together for fall market. We try to print plenty of these so that we can include them inside all of the shop orders to keep you in the know. You know. Anyway, I am going to attempt some prose here, but I have a hunch that this post might get a little Cliff note-ish. So the bullet point for the above would be the first look here on the blog of my upcoming Ribbon Collection with Renaissance Ribbons. There is no better source for gorgeous jacquard ribbon and I am so much more than honored to be working with them. We are just about to load 8 ribbons into the shop soon to be followed by a few dozen more colors of the same designs. They are like cake after dinner. Perfectly beautiful in every way, and I've been working on lots of project ideas for you. Moving on.

The star of the show, at least front and center was the Log Mansion Quilt. Did you see that?- the title is linked to the downloadable pdf pattern for you. Hooray! (You can also get it from my MAKE page.) Just put the finishing touches on the pattern this morning, and Pierrette has also prepared some kits in the shop.

It really is one of my favorites.

Though this one is begging for a close second. There are a few notes for this lovely quilt. Not only does it feature many of the Loulouthi Velveteens which will be shipping next month, but the linen patches feature some of the embroidery work from an upcoming embroidery collection that I will be publishing hopefully before the end of the year. The pattern is called Love from A to Z and it is a full upper and lower case alphabet of a pretty healthy scale. The pattern will also feature a bonus project idea, this quilt, that will share a clever way to work your embroideries into a sewn item. I am also finishing up a second embroidery pattern called Fields Aflutter that is a conservatory of florals, butterflies, borders and other delights. More about the embroidery patterns soon.

A velveteen pouf that I designed just for market but that I can't get out of my head. And I think we know what happens then. So perhaps a new pattern in the Spring.

Here is a pretty shot of the velveteens from the catalog.

Pouf. And a pillow of linen, ribbon, and backed with velveteen. The table is from CB2. Wish it were bigger, and I'd use it in my living room. I thought of putting two together, but its still really low. I love the look of that dang table though.

See through. Shiny. Pretty. I really enjoyed this bouquet too.

Sigh.

This Painted Portrait Dress, enchanted with a bit of ribbon machine applied to the yoke, is cut a little longer than the pattern standard, for an elegant, albeit gypsy-ish, silhouette of rich color. We've topped it off with a Figure 8 Scarf of the new velveteens. Rest assured the moment we have the velveteens in hand, we will have new scarf kits in the shop for you.

And another sweet little ribbon project was on display. Lots and lots of vertical pintuck pleats made from simple, solid voile, which turn this way and that as the ribbon lays across on the horizon. The same concept could be done with bias bindings, or any cross grain fabric for that matter. It was a very fun exploration in texture, and a nice breather from print. Perhaps the most princessy type design I've ever dabbled with. I look forward to putting together some tips on this little number for you.

Last but not least (and probably not all of everything, but I did try) ...needlepoint. Thats right. Kits. Printed canvas. Wool. And for me, very, very fond memories of my childhood- one eager but imperfect stitch after another. One by one building my ideas of what is a good thing to do with your time. I am just so glad that Anchor was all too happy to let me design four new kits that will become available in Jan/Feb. We had just gotten the unstitched canvases right before we left, so I can't wait to show you the finished samples.

I'd like to say too, that I am feeling particularly reflective lately on the work that I have had the opportunity to do and share. Maybe not by accident that I feel very thankful this week, more than ever, for what I wake up to each workday. I've just been thinking that while I don't take my work too seriously, I also don't take the privilege of getting to do it too lightly. I am beyond blessed. And the added happiness of sharing it with you when I am able too is particularly lovely.

Maybe I should just link you to my bank account, since I think I'm going to be placing quite a few orders soon. Good thing Christmas and soon thereafter my birthday are coming!!! Have a blessed Thanksgiving. Indeed, much for which to be thankful!

All the projects are amazing, and so beautiful, luxurious. Thank you for the Mansion Log pattern - I've got all my fabric in a pile waiting for the day after Thanksgiving! And I just cannot wait to get my hands on the ribbon, velveteen and needlepoint!!!(and I hope there will be a pattern for the star pillow at some point - so cute!!)

all is so lovely. i wanted to thank you for the inspiration to get out my embroidery needles and thread. hadn't done that since my high school days! (and that was many moons ago) what an impact those little stitches have on a project, right? and what a nice way to end the day---leaves me calm and contented before bedtime. thanks again and blessings to you and your family!

Anna Maria, What is that brown fabric in the dress that shows off the ribbon so sweetly? It would be so nice paired with that first velveteen in the line-up (the floral print). Is that solid brown fabric one of your line?

I actually inhaled and exhaled ~audibly~ when I got to the last words. I was holding my breath, reading every word, and thinking: "Beautiful, amazing, lovely, holy-moly, and how does she do all this?!?!" You are blessed... blessed with skills and creativity, and industry, and we are blessed to see these glimpses of what you accomplish. Thank you! And Happy Thanksgiving. I count you among my blessings, for the inspiration and smiles your blog and your art brings into my days.

Boy, you packed so much into that post! And it was awesome! I love love love the new velveteens. Especially Summer Totem in Emerald. I'm looking forward to building this collection as you keep creating! Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to all of us who love you so much! Have a blessed Thanksgiving with your beautiful family!

OMG (I hate acronyms, but there you go), I just found your blog. I went fabric shopping this weekend and kept picking up patterns that happened to have your name on them and THEN did the same thing with a bunch of fabric. And NOW I read your blog and it's funny and I like you so much I want to throw up (totally a compliment).

Loulouthi velveteens?! They look gorgeous. As does everything else you're showing in just this one single post. Also, Kate's comment above makes me laugh, because I totally agree - I also like you so much I want to throw up. (Seriously, I'm all ooh-ing and ahh-ing over here.)

One thing though, a little complaint from me - the international shipping costs on your shop are unbelievable and unfortunately prevent me from ever buying anything from you!! As a favour for those in sunny Australia, could someone take a look? I have to source everything from other shops which all use the regular $13.95 envelope... I would love to buy directly from you one day!

Melanie, if the cost seems wrong to you please give us a shout. We only ever charge what we pay and occassionally the estimator is off and we can refund you the difference. This is covered on the shop info page, but if you ever want us to specifically quote anything for you, we'll of course be glad to. Email Pierrette@annamariahorner.comWe ship to Australia very frequentlybest, Anna

AM ~ I am in constant awe of your work. And am ultra excited for your success, you have worked hard for all of it! Keep the amazing world of color and pattern coming our way. Happy Thanksgiving! ~ Anika

Hurray! So glad you had some time to share these lovelies with us. That poof is fantabulous. Pattern, yes, please! Looking forward to the butterfly embroidery. I'm remembering what you featured this summer in your header....

Oh my! So much eye candy! Looking forward to those patterns! And yes, let there please be a pattern for that amazing star poof because I need that in my life! As always your fabrics and projects are so inspiring! :)

Your booth was one of my faves at Market - and that ribbon belt... yum! Ordered a lot of your ribbons so I can make a few for myself and I knew our customers would love them!Can't wait for your velveteens to arrive as well!x Lucy from Amitie Textiles, Melb AUSTRALIA!

Oh I love everything you have on your website. I just like to visit sites in hopes of getting some ideas for gift giving. I don't have a website of my own. And I also want to say that I wish I would look as great as you do without makeup in the morning :) thanks for sharing your goodies with us all.

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